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IMMIGRATION NEWS
The Current State of DACA: Challenges Await in Litigation and Rulemaking
IOn June 15, 2012, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that it would not deport certain undocumented youth who came to the United States as children. Under a directive from the DHS secretary, these youth may be granted a type of temporary permission to stay in the U.S. called “deferred action.” The Obama administration called this program Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA. This page provides guidance on how to apply for DACA, renew DACA, and other important information on DACA. The current DACA landscape is complicated and involves litigation in multiple courts, agency rulemaking, and the ongoing call for and efforts to pass legislation with the goal of a permanent solution. See the below tabs for the latest updates, general information on DACA, information about the litigation around the DACA program, and information about ongoing legislative and administrative advocacy.
Latest DevelopmentsDACA InformationLitigationLegislative and Administrative Advocacy
What is the current state of the DACA program?
Last updated May 11, 2022
On December 4, 2020, the District Court for the Eastern District of New York in Batalla Vidal et al. v. Mayorkas, et al. ordered the government to accept first-time requests for DACA, renewal requests, and advance parole requests based on the terms of the 2012 DACA program.
On July 16, 2021, a Texas federal court found that the 2012 DACA program is unlawful. The federal government has appealed this decision to the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, where the parties have completed their briefs and oral argument is scheduled for the morning of July 6, 2022 in New Orleans. For now, those who currently have DACA or had it at any time in the past can file for renewals of their DACA and work permits. However, the federal government is currently not granting applications from first-time applicants and anyone whose DACA status expired more than one year ago. In fact, the government is not even processing these applications.
What is happening in the Batalla Vidal case in New York?
On April 4, 2022, the Batalla Vidal plaintiffs (a nationwide class of all those who hold DACA or are DACA eligible) had a pre-motion conference with the court in the Eastern District of New York. With Congress having failed to act and a proposed new DACA regulation still unfinalized, plaintiffs asked the New York court for relief for the approximately 80,000 individuals who applied for DACA after the court ordered the government to accept and adjudicate first-time applications in December 2020, but whose applications were stalled when a Texas federal court ordered the government to stop granting initial DACA applications in July 2021. We explained to the New York court that there is a space between the New York order and the Texas order that would allow the New York court to provide meaningful relief to the 80,000 first-time DACA applicants who applied during that period and whose applications are still in limbo. The New York court asked plaintiffs to submit briefs on two possible options: (1) the possibility of ordering the government to process first-time DACA applications submitted between December 2020 and July 2021 up to the point of, but not including, a grant or denial, and (2) some form of interim relief to those 80,000 DACA applicants that would last until their applications are ultimately adjudicated. The briefing will be completed on June 6, and the New York court may schedule another conference thereafter.
What does this mean?
Plaintiffs believe the government took actions that violated the New York court order. Specifically, the New York court had ordered the federal government to accept and adjudicate first-time DACA applications. Later on, the Texas court ordered that the government could not grant first-time applications. The government interpreted the Texas court’s decision as forcing it to not process and adjudicate first-time DACA applications that had been pending before July 16, 2021, when the Texas court issued its decision, despite the fact that these applicants paid filing fees and filed at a time when the government was obligated to process those applications pursuant to the New York court’s December 2020 order. Further, the government interpreted the Texas order as barring it from processing renewal requests for DACA recipients whose DACA expired more than one year ago, because the government treats those applications as initial applications without justification.
Does this change the DACA program?
For now, no. As of April 7, 2022, Plaintiffs have only had a conference with the New York court and are now briefing possible options. The briefing will be complete on June 6. Those who hold DACA can continue to renew their deferred action and work permits. The government is still not granting first-time applications or applications from those whose DACA has lapsed for more than one year. As the court process moves forward, we will keep this information updated.
What does this mean for first-time DACA applicants?
As of now, there are no changes in the DACA program since July of 2021, except USCIS’s announcement in April 2022 that DACA renewals may be filed electronically.
Q: Should I send my first application if I have my documents ready?
A: This is an individual decision you should make in conjunction with your lawyer or legal representative. The application request costs $495 and although USCIS will accept the application, keep the money, and issue a receipt notice, the application will not be granted or denied.
Q: I have already sent in my application. What will happen next?
A: The application will not be granted. On July 27, 2021, USCIS advised they will be putting these applications “on hold” and will NOT be refunding application fees or rejecting applications. This could change in the future. You can check uscis.gov/daca for updates.
Q: My first-time DACA application was granted before July 16, 2021. Has anything changed?
A: No, your DACA and work permit remains valid. You can use your work permit and you are entitled to a Social Security number and could be eligible for other benefits.
What does this mean for current DACA recipients?
While the Texas decision is appealed, the Texas court order allows current DACA holders to continue benefiting from DACA, and work permits remain valid. You can use your work permit and you are entitled to a Social Security number and could be eligible for other benefits. The letter filed in New York does not change this.
Q: Has anything changed with my DACA or work permit?
A: No, you will continue to be protected against deportation, and you may continue to use your work permit, Social Security number, and any other benefits associated with your DACA.
Q: When should I renew my DACA?
A: USCIS encourages renewals to be filed between 120 and 150 days prior to the expiration of your DACA. However, USCIS will accept your application before 150 days but will not process it until 150 days before your DACA expires. If your DACA expires in the next few months, we encourage you to renew as soon as possible.
Q: What if my DACA expired more than one year ago?
A: USCIS is not granting applications for previous DACA holders whose DACA lapsed for over one year. You may still file an application but it will not be approved unless the government changes its current practice.
What does this mean for travel on advance parole?
USCIS continues to process and issue advance parole from current DACA holders.
Q: I have received advance parole. Can I still travel?
A: Your advance parole is valid and you may travel and re-enter the United States using the document as long as your DACA remains current. However, we always recommend you consult with an attorney or accredited representative about individual risks before traveling.
Q: I have an advance parole application pending. What will happen next?
A: If your DACA is current and you meet the advance parole eligibility requirements, USCIS will continue to process and issue a decision on your advance parole application.
Q: I was planning on applying for advance parole. Should I still apply now?
A: If your DACA is current and you are eligible for advance parole, you may apply. Your application will be processed. However, you should pay attention to the media and uscis.gov/daca for any further court updates that may impact advance parole for DACA holders.
Could any of this change?
Yes, the current DACA program is subject to change based on court orders or federal government policy changes. Please check this website for updates.
Get involved!
The back and forth in the courts make it clear that we need Congress to act now. Immigrants across the country are fighting to create a pathway to citizenship for all that is inclusive of DACA beneficiaries and their families.
Sign up for updates on our class action website: dacaclassaction.org.